Clifford Brown/Max Roach Quintet

The proposed megafight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. was thrown into jeopardy Tuesday with a demand by Mayweather's camp that both fighters be subjected to Olympic-type drug testing in the weeks leading up to the bout. Read More

Cass County elected officials have extended an invitation to residents to attend a New Year's Eve celebration Dec. 31 at the Historic Cass County Courthouse in Harrisonville's Historic Downtown Square.

The event is scheduled to begin with an open house at 5:30 p.m. Courthouse offices will be open for attendees to visit and refreshments will be served until 7 p.m.

"You can go around and visit all of the offices we have here and get a chance to meet with those who represent you," South District Associate Commissioner Bill Cook said.

During the open house, music is scheduled to be provided by Ralph and Cheryl New, the brass quintet, Cass Brass, and Chris Filer.

At 7 p.m. in the newly renovated circuit courtroom, the commissioners will present community service awards to residents from throughout the county who have spent years in service to others.

Those scheduled to be honored are Billie Gebhardt and Lucille Gebhardt, John Foster and Wanda Foster, June Cramer and Ed Cramer, Dr. Charles William Marsh and Rose Marsh, Wanda Brown, Georgia Cumpton, Peg Elkins and George Elkins, Ron Lacy and Mary Lacy, Nora Dodge, Sandi Beatty and Wayne Reid.

After the awards are presented, the commissioners plan to present its Cass County Plans for 2010 through 2019.

"We want to take a look at what we think the county should be addressing in the next 10 years, a fresh look," Presiding Commissioner Gary Mallory said. Read More

Freddie Roach has become the go-to guy for a feel-good story in boxing. Read More

Brooklyn-born drummer Dana Hall is pursuing more than a jazz career in the footsteps of Max Roach, Art Blakey and Billy Higgins. Read More

Guests "experience the Holy Night as if you are going to that town 2,000 years ago," said Nancy Canning, 52, Noblesville, one of 400 volunteers who will stage the two-night event on Friday and Saturday. Read More

Throughout the evening, a woodwind quintet, brass quintet and saxophone quartet will also perform. Read More

Think of "The Honor Roll" as your weekly guide to what's hot. Read More